Tucked between the TD bank and White Pia Cleaners at the corner of Moore and Bayview, at 1213 Bayview Ave., is Dhillon’s Karahi, a delightful and delicious Indian restaurant boasting “Ancient Indian Flavors for your cravings” that opened three years ago. (Karahi is a cooking pot made of cast iron that’s similar to a wok.)
When I lost the use of my kitchen during renovations, I frequented Dhillon’s to help me through that stretch. Recently, over a chai masala, I had the opportunity to learn more about the two men behind the food I’ve grown to love.
Dhillon and Jagan Singh are the brothers behind Dhillon’s. They grew up in the Punjab region in northern India where their father owned two restaurants, specializing in traditional Indian cuisine. As boys they spent time at the restaurants, and when they became older their father started teaching them about cooking and making Indian food properly.
When it came time to decide about career paths, both boys went far afield in their choices. Dhillon chose to become a pharmacist, while Jagan, three years younger, went into business and management. At some point Dhillon began thinking about immigrating. He decided on Canada and moved here in 2016 because he wanted to live in a multicultural society and felt that life here would be calmer than where he grew up. Once here he continued his studies but also worked in the restaurant sector, going from fast food places to other more sophisticated ones. After two years he convinced his brother to join him in Canada.
Jagan also gravitated to the food sector and moved from Thai and Indo-Chinese to Middle Eastern cuisines. He worked with some fine chefs and built on the skills and knowledge he learned from his father. It became apparent to both brothers that although they had other training, which would likely provide a higher income, their passion was working with food with a goal of opening their own restaurant. As they told me, “It makes us happy.”
Once they decided to open a restaurant, the obvious challenge was finding a suitable location. After researching various areas in Toronto, the brothers settled on Leaside because they saw it as a community within a larger city, where the people are friendly and care for one another. They were able to buy a small business that already had the required kitchen space plus the equipment they needed to begin.
Their joy in their restaurant is clear the moment you walk in. Dhillon greets you with a warm and friendly smile. There is no doubt that you are welcome. The food also reflects their commitment to freshness and quality. At times it may seem that certain dishes take a bit longer to prepare, but that is because everything is made fresh when ordered. Almost all the dishes are from the Punjab with a few reflective of the cuisine of southern India. Along with the delicious pakoras I highly recommend their truly exceptional tandoori chicken. I, for one, am delighted that Dhillon’s Karahi is here in Leaside and I look forward to many more delicious meals and welcoming smiles.
This article was guest contributed by Michelle Illiatovitch.